The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1887-08-26

her myself in the beginning, Paulet.
She is beautiful creature
$50 | thought--so / was afraid, !"
answered Rupert.
But soon l saw how it was and it
wouldn't have been any good. can't
think how she has bred SO true. The
mother would sell her soul for money.
And that little Lady Margaret-she is
charming" (here Mr.. Codd sighed),
"an1 she is so tired of Lords and Mar
quises." Mr. Codd, throwing back his
head, laughed pleasantly.
Shall tell the Countess all about
it tomorrow | have an appointment
with her in the morning"
IF you only would, my dear Codd.
You might break it gently. I'm in a
mortal funk when / think of facing
her.
On the morrow MIR. Codd jumped
into hanson with a cheerful mien
and drove down to Prince's-gate.
Lady Umfreville was of course at
home and would receive Mr.. Codd in
her boudoir. This solicited interview
surely BODIED some good news.
you are an early visitor" she said,
smiling, 81 thought you were always
in the city at eleven o'clock"
Not always, Lady Umfreville. And
happily have taken a partner who
will relieve me of much responsible
ity."
"Indeed-a very wise step. A ris-
ing young city man, suppose. If he
is friend of yours, you must bring
him here some day."
mo- he Is not a city man, but for
all that he has useful business talents.
1t is Mr.. Paulet. He is very reliable
young fellow, and / have every conf
dence in him." Lady Umfreville stared
at Mr.. Codd in undignifed amazement.
Rupert Paulet your partner! He
wrote to say he had communication
to make to me. Can it possibly be
thisP What do his prospects signify to
me?"
"a great deal, fancy. I believe he
wishes to marry your daughter.
The lady turned pale. 1t was clear
from this that Mr.. Codd had no mat
rimonial intentions regarding Lady
Geraldine.
"My daughter!'' she almost
screamed, that penniless man marry
my beautiful Geraldinep Never
'You forget that he has good pros
poets that as my partner he is a long
way from penniless.
"She has deceived mel am no
match tor her. said the Countess,
tragically, as she rang the bell and
ordered the servant to summon Lady
Geraldine.
The young lady appeared promptly.
''How do you do, Mr.. Codd?n and
she warmly pressed his hand. What
do you want me for, mammal
Il understand from Mr.. Codd that
Rupert Paulet has proposed to you,
and is coming to speak to me on the
subject You have had the audacity to
accept himP"
Eyes, mamma, but you only under
stand a part of the truth. You do not
understand what part a generous city
man has played. / owe debt of graf
itude to Mr.. Codd I can never repay
By his help I am saved from some
mercenary marriage, and am able to
marry the man | love. mean to
marry Rupert Paulet. You know well
enough that he and have loved each
other from childhood, and yet-yet
you threw me at Mr.. Codd's head. /
did not do him justice at first. could
not believe in such kindness-that
he was playing a part for Rupert's
sake to shield me from persecution. I
admire and respect him beyond all
words. He has even deceived you.
These were bitter words, spoken in
tone of scorn that cut home.
Leave the room instantly. If you
marry Rupert Paulet, it will not be
with my consent"
Mr.. Codd seemed to have something
more to say.
There is another matter of more
Importance to me personally Lady
Umfreville," he stammered a little.
"You have another daughter-she is a
charming girl. 1t is not possible that
her affections are already engaged.
Have your permission to pay my adj
dresses to her?"
The Countess was dumfounded.
''Mr. Codd, | am amazed. How
have you made her acquaintance? She
is yet in the schoolroom.
Mr.. Codd explained. rather lamely.
Lady Urlfreville sighed. This was
mitigation of calamity. If Geraldine
insisted on marrying Rupert, who was
so likely to give assistance as Mr..
Codd, if a brother-in-law?
1t came to pass at the end of the sea-
son that Lady Umfreville's two lovely
daughters were given away at the same
altar.
"Optimus is darling" wrote Lady
Margaret month later to her sister.
He is just the sort of husband to suit
me. Every one ought to marry city
man. He thinks every thing l say and
do is right and is, Oh! SO generous. He
isn't handsome, but then he isn't a bit
jealous, and lets me dance with all the
best looking men, and when l come
back to him think how stupid they
all were, and when 1 tell him so he
looks rather pleased. I'm glad now /
didn't come out last season. I'm sure
you can't be as happy as l am. have
asked the dull old Fraulein to come
and spend week with us out of graft
tude. She never told mamma how
Optimus used to meet us in the park.
Mamma has given up the house at
Prince's-gate. She is coming to us
for month next season. She is very
fond of Optimus now. She says he
is her faverite son-in-law. / think he
gives her handsome checks"
All this was absolutely true, the Civ
- Il. Al. e